Gov. Josh Stein today joined Dogwood Health Trust to announce a $30 million small business grant program to support businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene and bolster economic recovery.

Small businesses with an annual revenue of up to and including $2.5 million are eligible to apply for grants up to $50,000 from the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative grant program.

In a statement, the governor said, “Small businesses are the heart of western North Carolina and need our support to get through these slow winter months. The Western North Carolina Small Business grant program will help small businesses with their urgent needs and support the region’s economic recovery.”

Governor Stein also announced that the state is awarding $3 million to Baptists on Mission and $3 million to Habitat for Humanity NC to support their housing repair initiatives.

The governor’s office said that impacted businesses lost $18 billion in revenue because of the hurricane. Shapiro said the grants will help businesses make payroll, pay operating expenses, and stabilize the local economy as tourism slowly ramps up again.

Funds will be managed by Appalachian Community Capital, with the partnership of the Community Reinvestment Fund on the application process. Eligible businesses can apply through the portal here.

Eligibility requirements are:

• Businesses with an annual revenue of up to and including $2.5 million

• Businesses in the 28 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians that are covered by President Biden’s federal disaster declaration or in Dogwood Health Trust’s 18-county footprint, including:  Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin, Yancey.

NFIB State Director Gregg Thompson said,“Hurricane Helene continues to take a tremendous toll on many small businesses in western North Carolina. This grant program will give them the help they need to recover.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, providing jobs and important services. These grants will give local businesses the support they need to keep going. We encourage all of our eligible small business members to apply for these grants so they can get back on their feet.”